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Written question asked by Alex Brewer (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 July 2026. It was answered by Emma Hardy (Labour) on Thursday, 9 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Fertilisers and Pesticides: Environment Protection

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the environmental impacts of (a) synthetic nitrogen fertilisers, (b) pesticides and (c) neonicotinoids; and what steps she is taking in response to those impacts.

Answer

We know that the production of inorganic fertilisers is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions and that the poor application of all fertilisers can have negative environmental impacts. We are supportive of all routes to more sustainable fertiliser manufacture and use, this includes greener production, improving nutrient use efficiency and diversifying the types of fertilisers available.

A pesticide may only be placed on the market in Great Britain (GB) if the product has been authorised by the Health and Safety Executive, GB’s pesticide regulator. This government has also already taken decisive action on neonicotinoids: it set out plans to change existing policies to prevent the use of three neonicotinoid pesticides that threaten vital pollinators, including through emergency authorisations, in our policy statement of 21 December 2024. Negotiations are underway on a Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement with the EU; any further action can be considered once the new pesticides regulatory framework for Great Britain is agreed.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
15195
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Environment protection Fertilisers Pesticides
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk